Arthur Miller’s portrayal of the Salem witchcraft trials in his play, The Crucible, allows the audience to view the central character, John Proctor, as he deals with difficult situations brought about by his affair with Abigail Williams. At the time of the trials, the Salem community was under many pressures, one of these being the constant threat of attack from the hostile natives that lived in the forests surrounding Salem. Having a strong work and religious ethic was what kept the village afloat. However, the strict rules enforced upon the youth of the village, for example, no dancing allowed, was one of the main reasons the witch trials went ahead. The youth were caught dancing in the woods; to shift the blame from themselves they accused others of forcing them to do so through witchcraft and the devil. Abigail Williams recognises the opportunity to seek revenge on John Proctors wife - for throwing her out and blackening her name in the town - and accuses her of witchcraft. From this, events snowball and a full-blown trial is underway.
Throughout the play the audience’s feelings towards John Proctor change dramatically. In act one we meet him first as the adulterer. He has corrupted the young Abigail and now wants nothing t
. . .
From this we see Proctor’s gentler, loving side. It is done! You have no need for this. Although he committed adultery and was tempted to confess he also demonstrated love and sincerity towards his family and stood by his friends. Do you tell me you’ve never looked up at my window?” Furthermore, in having this relationship with Abigail he has warped her views on Salem. Elizabeth Proctor is intensely suspicious of Proctor, worrying when he arrives home late for dinner and adopts a condescending tone when he admits that he was momentarily alone with Abigail. I saw your face when she put me out, and you loved me then and you do now!” My view of him is one of contempt as he has cheated on his wife, and now that the relationship is over he still has feelings for Abigail. The conversation that Abigail and Proctor have in the bedroom of Betty brings light on this situation.
As his death seems imminent he decides to declare witchcraft, to save him and allow him to see his sons and the expected baby grow up. Elizabeth is sent to convince him to confess, but she cannot. ”
This final martyrdom enforces my earlier feelings of respect and admiration. He signs his name, but will not hand it over to Danforth as he doesn’t understand why it is necessary. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs.
Approximate Word count =
1043
Approximate Pages =
4 (250 words per page double spaced)
Simply subscribe to view this paper, and 100,000 others.
| CREDIT CARD |
ONLINE CHECK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JOIN BY PHONE
|
|
|
